Many lessons can be learned outside the classroom, particularly those rooted in the nature of character and taught through action.

One such lesson is the importance of giving to those in need, often taught via classroom fundraisers that motivate students to contribute toward a goal, whether it is buying a chicken for a small village in Africa or helping classmates across the world access technology.

The students and faculty at Los Altos Christian Schools last year decided to raise funds to assist Eternal Hope Christian School in Puyo, Ecuador, establish libraries in its eight classrooms. At an estimated cost of $300 per library, the fundraising goal was set at $2,400. By the end of the school year, students surpassed the target by $200, enabling them to donate a camera as well.

Principal Susan Goff and Vice Principal Evonne Litfin recently delivered classroom supplies to the school of approximately 220 students, similar in size to Los Altos Christian Schools. Eternal Hope, located in the Ecuadorean rainforest, emphasizes English fluency for its students.

The administrators said they found the people of Puyo welcoming and eager to show them their homes.

“It was fun to travel and visit people there, rather than doing the usual tourist thing,” Litfin said. “We were able to meet the school and church board. Everybody was really welcoming and went out of the way to make sure we were seeing the best of Puyo.”

Goff and Litfin observed the differences in culture during the trip: the open-air restaurants and bakeries, the prioritization of family and the strong emphasis on hospitality. Highlights included visiting animal parks and an orchid preserve and standing on the equator. They emphasized the kindness and hospitality of the Ecuadoreans.

“The people are very nice,” Goff said. “Even though they might not have conditions as (comfortable as those) we come from, they were the ones wanting to buy us things and take us places. We kept wanting to do something for them, but they wanted to treat us. Hospitality was very important and they were all so kind.”